How accurate is the bathroom scale method?

**Crabman** · 10-31-2011, 09:09 AM

I just weighed my tongue using the bathroom scale method http://www.hitchesonline.com/WD/tow_tips.htm

I`m getting a reading of 340lbs on the scale which is to be multiplied 3 times for 1020 lbs total. My scale only goes to 300 but it went past by 40 lbs. Does this throw off the scale if you go past 300 lbs? I have some stuff in the front of the trailer but nothing real heavy and only about 10 gallons of water aboard so I was a bit surprised at the weight. I don`t think my driveway is 100% level either, not sure how much that throws it off but I had the trailer level. Maybe I should try the next multiplier which is 4 times the scale weight. Or just hit a scale if I can find one around here in hick county. Any insights from experienced bathroom scalers?

Rustic Eagle · 10-31-2011, 09:59 AM

Lee,

The bathroom scale process will get you pretty close, but in your case you may want to try the 4ft spacing set-up since you are going over the 300lbs. Also, ideally you want the TT level with the surface that the scale is resting on.

Another option, put one of these on your X-Mas list: LM-2000 http://www.sherline.com/lm.htm

Bob

**Crabman** · 10-31-2011, 10:10 AM

Yeah Bob, a Sherline would be nice for Xmas, about the only way I would get one right now! I think I will try the 4 ft spacing. I know I will not get an exact reading with some of the variables, but just looking for a ballpark figure. I`m not even sure what size my trunnion bars are as I have a hand me down hitch with no paperwork. I think they are 800 lb bars after doing some research, because they are 1 1/8" wide. I picked up a couple of used 1200 lb bars in good shape cheap, but they will not fit in the hitch head, the ears on the bars are too big even though the bars are Reese and the same shape, and they are 1.25" wide. I think they are a newer variety but still have the bolt on adapter capability for the cam end. Even though I`m getting a good ride I fear my bars may be too light. I may have to look for a another hitch head as well!

**Crabman** · 10-31-2011, 10:39 AM

These appear to be the same bars I purchased thinking they would fit my hitch head (I do not have a pic of the actual bars yet but they look and are rated the same)
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...e/RP58358.html

This appears to be the hitch head upgrade I would need to go with my newly acquired bars:
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...e/RP58167.html

This is a pic of my old bars and hitch head

And finally this is what I am supposed to have for my existing hitch head if I upgrade to 1200 bars. It is an older system and is now out of production, that`s what threw me off.

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...e/RP21221.html

dg1971 · 10-31-2011, 10:42 AM

Bathroom scales are always off....at least by 20 pounds...or at least mine are....I know I don't weigh as much as my scales say I do.

Rustic Eagle · 10-31-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

snip.....I picked up a couple of used 1200 lb bars in good shape cheap, but they will not fit in the hitch head, the ears on the bars are too big even though the bars are Reese and the same shape, and they are 1.25" wide.....snip

Lee,

Before you go out and purchase a new #58167 ball mount, I would contact Reese and see if they have replacement trunnion knuckles that will fit your 1,200lb bars and existing ball mount. Depending on pricing it may be the cheaper way to go.

Bob

**Crabman** · 10-31-2011, 05:49 PM

Bob,
I may give that a try, but they may not even make them anymore as that system has been discontinued. It looks like the newer trunnion knuckles are about $50.00 each and the head is about $130 at etrailer, $114 on Amazon,. So its pretty much a wash on price anyway if I could even find the old style knuckles. If I went with the new head I would have the beefier new trunnion knuckles on my 1200 lb bars, a brand new head without the old style trunnion retainers that you have to lift up while installing the bars, and getting a replacement bar in the future if necessary would not be such a PITA if I did not have a discontinued hitch head. I`m thinking that the new head would fit on my existing shank as the bolt holes are the same, 1.25" on center. Any thoughts on that? I would contact Reese or etrailer first to confirm. One other thing, the 1200 lb bars are about two inches longer then my old bars so I would have to loosen the ubolts and move the cam arms back that distance then align it again by doing the "drive straight for 100 feet" procedure with tension on the system and the ubolts loosened. This supposedly self aligns the cams. Then you retighten the ubolts. This is one advantage the old system has over the new one that is drilled in the frame. It allows generously for future adjustments. Of course the propane tank pan has been known to get in the way of the ubolts with this system, I have raised mine up with longer bolts and washers for spacers.

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